Who Runs a Car Repair Shop? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

raymr · #1 03-20-2006, 04:41 PM

I am considering the idea. It would just be me and a helper to start, so it would be a small operation with room for maybe 3-4 cars indoors. I would rent warehouse space and buy airtools, a lift, test equipment, manuals, etc.

So:
What would be the minimum indoor square footage needed?
Do you perform general repairs or a specialty, such as body work?
How much is the initial investment?
What are your ongoing expenses?

I know money can be made, since a local indy isn't even accepting any new customers due to high demand. There is a need for quality repair work in this area.

DuckMuck · #2 03-20-2006, 06:47 PM

The owners of this forum I believe have a M-B shop...I think they opened up a new facility, but it didn't work out? I remember that was what happened...you'll have to ask for more details...anyhow, they most likely will have the most insight into opening a M-B shop...they don't frequent the Open Discussion area though...so you'll most likely need to E-mail them...

raymr · #3 03-20-2006, 07:36 PM

It wouldn't be limited to M-B. But I would probably want to advertise it so theres not a bunch of Cavalier and Neon owners coming in either. Not that there's anything wrong with them.

450slcguy · #4 03-20-2006, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

I am considering the idea. It would just be me and a helper to start, so it would be a small operation with room for maybe 3-4 cars indoors. I would rent warehouse space and buy airtools, a lift, test equipment, manuals, etc.

So:
What would be the minimum indoor square footage needed?
Do you perform general repairs or a specialty, such as body work?
How much is the initial investment?
What are your ongoing expenses?

I know money can be made, since a local indy isn't even accepting any new customers due to high demand. There is a need for quality repair work in this area.

Not being an expert or even qualified to suggest but common sense:

1500 sq. ft min.

General repairs if you are a skilled mechanic with years of professional experience. Body work only if you are a skilled craftsman with many years experience. When you own your own shop, guessing won't work. Would not recommend both businesses together.

Probably at least 75-100k to start, double that in a year.

Monthly lease,utilities,insurance,salaries,hazard waste disposal,waste disposal,tools,special tools,literature(manuals and alike),permits, and alot of 6 10+hrs days, just to name a few. Not a business for the meek.

C32AMG · #5 03-20-2006, 10:19 PM

What is your automotive field of expertise?

dkveuro · #6 03-20-2006, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

I am considering the idea.

Well....here's some advise........DON'T.

.

raymr · #7 03-20-2006, 10:24 PM

I would get a ASE certified mechanic on board for the demanding work, as well as a hourly gofer to do detailing, deliveries, etc. I would help out on the floor also but my focus would be running the business. I have to get a sense for how many good mechanics are out there looking for work.

raymr · #8 03-20-2006, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkveuro

Well....here's some advise........DON'T.

.

Based on your experience?

dkveuro · #9 03-20-2006, 11:12 PM

Based on running a shop of my own since 1976.

Go get ( Good. ) IT training and study computer tech' real hard...or go into the medical field.....some kind of therapy for instance.

The headaches with staff is not worth it.....I had 60 staff in the UK...I now work alone.....not much money to spare but I think I'm good at my job and have a 18 year base of customers too...I'm 60 years old and don't see this trade as a good investment for someone looking to start in it....

Start up costs are outragous......electronic test equipment...I don't have a lot but I do have dual screen lab scope...latest MB/BMW/VW/Audi scanner and other test tools....hand tools..... two lifts....air tools....factory books galore...
pullers....crank tools.....valve grinder....seat cutters......blah blah blah.....
Estimated cost of current equipment around $60,000.00 and that's just for me.

Do me/us a favour.....try something else......you have not had to deal with Joe Public yet, have you ?.

.

Moneypit SEL · #10 03-21-2006, 01:37 AM

If I ever open a shop, I'm gonna have a big sign over the counter:

GOOD! FAST! CHEAP!
Pick two

vwbuge · #11 03-21-2006, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkveuro

Based on running a shop of my own since 1976.

Go get ( Good. ) IT training and study computer tech' real hard...or go into the medical field.....some kind of therapy for instance.

The headaches with staff is not worth it.....I had 60 staff in the UK...I now work alone.....not much money to spare but I think I'm good at my job and have a 18 year base of customers too...I'm 60 years old and don't see this trade as a good investment for someone looking to start in it....

Start up costs are outragous......electronic test equipment...I don't have a lot but I do have dual screen lab scope...latest MB/BMW/VW/Audi scanner and other test tools....hand tools..... two lifts....air tools....factory books galore...
pullers....crank tools.....valve grinder....seat cutters......blah blah blah.....
Estimated cost of current equipment around $60,000.00 and that's just for me.

Do me/us a favour.....try something else......you have not had to deal with Joe Public yet, have you ?.

.

This man shares his wisdom, listen to him. A very good friend owns a shop. It is very small and he has about 2,000 sqft, one lift, all the scanning tools as well as hand tools. He is ASE certified and is very intelligent. His biggest problem? Getting good help. That is why he has been working alone for 15 years now. He invites me out to work when he gets a special project or back when I was between jobs he let me earn some money. He has a very good client base as he specializes in high end foreign cars and British imports. He would also tell you.....it is not worth the effort.

raymr · #12 03-21-2006, 08:32 AM

Thanks for the insight. By my very rough estimates, I would have to drum up about 2K worth of business daily. Thats like 3 details and 4-5 service/repairs per day. Yes finding the right help would be critical. The demand for decent reliable service is already there.

The goal is not to necessarily make big bux, but to do something I think I would enjoy. I am currently in the IT field. I've made a good living at it, but the writing is on the wall. That whole business is outsourcing, downsizing, and consolidating in a big way.

dannym · #13 03-21-2006, 09:16 AM

If I remember correctly Rockville is an upscale neighborhood?

Probably lots of Benz's and Beemers with owners that have more money than sense just willing to throw money at you.

Danny

450slcguy · #14 03-21-2006, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

Thanks for the insight. By my very rough estimates, I would have to drum up about 2K worth of business daily. Thats like 3 details and 4-5 service/repairs per day. Yes finding the right help would be critical. The demand for decent reliable service is already there.

The goal is not to necessarily make big bux, but to do something I think I would enjoy. I am currently in the IT field. I've made a good living at it, but the writing is on the wall. That whole business is outsourcing, downsizing, and consolidating in a big way.

Man, ain't that truth. I to was in IT , 20 years on and off(corporate 200 list) and the wall prevailed last year. I wasn't sure how to redirect my talents and experiences. Funny thing, I also considered a mechanical trade, based on my field engineering previous career, but feel I'm getting to old to deal with that professionally, as I hobby I love working on cars. I took a new job supervising in an industrial facility, lot less money and not a pretty envirinment, but certainly alot less politics and ass kissing. I do my job,go home and pay the bills. One day I expect this company to fold also, as the global economy writeing is catching up in the niche industry I'm in. Good luck!

mikemover · #15 03-21-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raymr

I am considering the idea. It would just be me and a helper to start, so it would be a small operation with room for maybe 3-4 cars indoors. I would rent warehouse space and buy airtools, a lift, test equipment, manuals, etc.

So:
What would be the minimum indoor square footage needed?
Do you perform general repairs or a specialty, such as body work?
How much is the initial investment?
What are your ongoing expenses?

I know money can be made, since a local indy isn't even accepting any new customers due to high demand. There is a need for quality repair work in this area.

Drop a line to our fellow member engatwork, here on the forum. He has started his own little shop next to his home, and seems to be doing alright.

Mike